Boat canopy



L. P. FRIEDER Nov. 28, 1967 BOAT CANOPY 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 15, 1965 I INVENTOR. 150M420 P ICE/EOE? flTTOENEYS v L. P. FRIEDER Nov. 28, 1967 BOAT CANOPY 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 15, 1965 9% www m BY &

flT-TOE/VEYS L. P. FRlEDER Nov. 28, 1967 BOAT CANOPY 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 15, 1965 I N VENTOR. LEONARD P FP/EDEI? 4 TTORNE Y Nov. 28, 1967 L. P. FRlEDER 3,354,892

BOAT CANOPY Filed July 15, 1965 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Q i E E Q INVENTOR Lao/mp0 F 52/505? QTTUPNEYS L. P. FRIEDER Nov. 28, 1967 BOAT CANOPY 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 15, 1965 mm hnwl muv 3w ww INVENTOR. LEOMQRD P FR/EDEI? mww Ev W FITTORNEYS L. P. FRlEDER Nov. 28, 1967 BOAT CANOPY 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed July 15. 1965 R R5 m. 3 P P 0 W N w L HTTOPMEYS United States Patent Ofiice 3,354,892 Patented Nov. 28, 1967 arsrsacr or DISCLOSURE A canopy .and frame assembly .for a boat in which ad;- justable tensioning means carried by "a cover stretch the cover between rigid arches mounted'on the boat gunwale by spaced legs stationarily and ,detachably mounted on hggu l My invention relates to a boat canopy and more particularly to a strong, light, easily erected canopy especially adapted for use in protecting the occupants of a lifeboat, for example, from the elements. i

There has recently been recognized the need for some kind of protective covering to guard the occupants of a lifeboat or the like from the elements, particularly when the boat at sea for a relatively long period of time. Such a protective covering should be light and easily erected and yet it should have sufficient structural strength to withstand relatively high winds. It is desirable that the cover be able to be seen at a relatively great distance both in the day time and at night. It is further desirable that the cover and its frame be easily stowed. It should be reversible with respect to th fore and aft portions of the boat onwhichitis'used. i

I have invented a boat canopy which successfully accomplishes the desiderata outlined above. My boat canopy is lightand strong. It is simple in that it incorporates relatively few parts. It is easy to erect and, when not in use, may expeditiously be stowed in the boat with which it is used. I so construct my boat canopy thatit is reversible fore and aft. I provide my cover with an arrangement which permits it to be easily seen at great distances either in the daytime or at night. My canopy is so constructed as to have relatively little sail effect. My canopy also affords the occupants of the boat an outside view even when the canopy is completely closed.

One object of my invention is to provide a boat canopy which is light, yet strong.

Another'object of my invention is to provide a boat canopy which is simple in construction and which may expeditiously be erected.

A further object of my invention is to provide a boat canopy which is easily stowed when not in use.

Another object of 'my invention is to provide a boat canopy which is fore-and-aft reversible.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a boat canopy which permits the boat to be seen at relatively great" distances in the daytime and at night.

Yet another object of my invention .is to provide a boat canopy affording .visibility even when completely closed.

Other and further objects of my invention will appear from the following description.

In general my invention contemplates the provision of a boat canopy comprising a cover made up'of bias-cut, surface-stressed panels carried by an arch catenary and cave catenaries supported .on a frame including tensionabsorbing bow and stern arches and an intermediate supporting arch. -I may provide my boat canopy with side curtains and with bow and stem sections carried by how and stern catenaries supported by the bow and stern arches and by bow and stern stanchions. My canopy cover has a color pattern so as to be clearly visible in the dayti e set? ri h an t n pa e t te a n 9li s to aifo d the ecnpants an outside view even when the srr ai sare lsssq In the accompanying drawings which form part of the instant specification and which are to be read in conjuncish the e th a d in'w i .r is c nume a a e usedto indicate like parts in the various views:

IG 1 i rowd v v ew qn .f m o y b at s' inits re t d q i n- FIGURE 2 is a top plan 'view of a boat on which the supporting framework of rny canopy has been verected and illustrating the relationship of the canopyeatenaries to the frame.

FIGURE 3 is a layout of the cover of my boat canopy and the associated catenarylcables.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary yiew of my boat canopy illustrating one way inyvhich the catenary' cables can be associated with t-he'canopy cover. I V

FIGURE 5 is 'a fragmentary view illustrating one form of device for securing the int rmediate arch to the gunwale,

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary yiew illustrating one mode of fastening a catenary cable to one of the sup} porting arches. Y

FIGURE 7 is an elevation of an alternate device for securing the bow and stern arches to the gunwale.

FIGURE 8 is a'fragrnentary view illustrating the top of one of the adjustable tension-absorbing stanchions of my boat canopy. FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating the base my boat canopy.

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary perspective View illustrating an alternate form of fore and aft construction of of one of the adjustable tension-absorbing stanchions of my boat canopy, with parts broken away.

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary elevation of a modified form of arch construction of my boat canopy.

FIGURE 12 is a side elevation illustrating a modified form of my boat canopy with parts broken away.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary front elevation illustrating the manner in which the principal stern arch stanchion and one of the auxiliary tension-resisting stanchions are secured to the arch.

'FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary end elevation of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 13. Y

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary end elevation of another form of arch stanchion mounting bracket permitting the adjustment of the relative angular position of a stanchion withrelation tothe gunwale. a

FIGURE '16 is "a fragmentary side elevation of the structure shown in FIGURE 15.

FIGURE 17 is 12 fragmentary side elevation of .yet another form of adjustable arch stanchion mounting bracket. l W U FIGURE 18 is a fragmentary end elevation .ofthe bracket shown in FIGURE 17. i FIGURE 1-9'is a plan .view illustrating a further form of my boat canopy'cover and fragmentary portions of the supporting frame therefor.

FIGURE 20 is a fragmentary side elevation illustratarrangement of one ,ofthe catenaries' of the form (if boat canopycoyer shown in FIGURE 3.

IF GU RE 2.1 vi'sia fragmentary perspective view of an alternate means for securing a'str'ut to a bow or stern arch. i I

FIGURE 22 is a perspective view of an alternate means for securing a catenary cable to an arch. FIGURES 23 illustrates an alternate form of fitting f0 securing'an' arch'end to its leg and for securing a side 0 catenary to the arch.

Referring now to FIGURES 1 to 3, my boat canopy indicated generally by the reference character 10 is adapted to be erected on a boat such, for example, as that indicated generally by the reference character 12. The canopy comprises a cover 14 made up of four similar sections, indicated, respectively, by the reference characters 16, 18, 20 and 22, as viewed from the underside of the cover shown in- FIGURE 2. I construct each of the sections 16,18, 20 and 22 from four panels 24, 26, 28 and 30 secured to each other along lines 32, 34 and 36. I may construct the cover 14 from anysuitable material which is light and yet which is sufficiently strong to withstand the' forces to which it is subjected. One form of material suitable for use in my cover is a material comprising an open mesh woven nylon layer sandwiched between two layers of polyvinyl chloride. When I construct my cover 14 from this material I out each of the panels 24, 26, 28 and 30 on the bias before joining them along lines 32, 34 and 36. I have discovered that by so constructing each of the sections 16, 18, 20 and 22 a stronger construction results than would exist if the sections were cut out as one' piece in thenormal manner.

Any suitable means may be employed to join the panels 24, 26, 28 and 30. For example, lines of stitching may be employed. Alternatively, the panels may be cemented along the lines 32, 34 and 36. Where a heatsealable synthetic resin forms a layer of the material, the panels may be joined by heat sealing.

Having formed the sections 16, 18, 20 and 22 I then join the sections along lines indicated by the lines 38 and 40 in FIGURE 2. This may be accomplished in the same manner as that in which the individual panels were joined.

I may provide the cover 14 with bow and stern portions indicated generally by the respective reference characters 42 and 44. Each section 42 and 44 comprises two generally triangular pieces 46 and 48 secured to each other along one leg by stitching or the like indicated by the reference character 50 and joined to the ends of the assembled sections 16, 18, 20 and 22 along lines 52. I provide the cover with four side curtains, two to aside, indicated by the respective reference characters 54, 56, 58 and 60. Each side curtain includes three panels 62, .64 and 66 joined along adjacent edges as indicated by broken lines 68 and 70. It will be noted that adjacent edges of the panels 66 are not joined so that I may raise the curtains individually in a manner to be described.

Imay provideeach of the bow and stern sections 42 and 44 with side curtains indicated generally by the reference characters 72 and 74. Each curtain 72 and 74 includes three panels 76, 78 and 80 with the edges of panels 76 and 80 adjacent the edges of panel 78 secured thereto as indicated by the lines 82 and 84.

From the structure just described it will be appreciated that the cover of my canopy includes a central overhead portion made up of sections 16, 18, 20 and 22, how and stern overhead portions each including panels 46 and 48, as well as central side curtains 54, 56, 58 and 60 and two pairs of bow and stern side curtains 72 and 74.

I provide the joint between curtain 54 and section 16 with a cable-receiving tunnel 86. I form similar tunnels 88, 90 and 92 respectively between curtain 56 and section 18, between curtain 58 and section 20 and between curtain 60 and section 22. Similar tunnels 94 and 96 are provided between each of the curtains 72 and its associated tunnel 46 and between each curtain 74 and its associated tunnel 48. I provide aligned tunnels 98 and 100 respectively between sections 16 and 22 and between sections 18 and 20.

Referring now to FIGURE 4 I have illustrated one way in which I may form a tunnel such as the tunnel 86 between panel 64 of curtain 54 and the panel 28 of section 16. This may be achieved by spaced lines of stitching 102 and 104 which join the edges of panel 28 and panel 64 to form a space therebetween.

Referring again to FIGURES 1 to 3, my canopy includes a ridge cable 106 running through the aligned tunnels 98 and 100, a starboard eave cable 108 running through tunnels 86 and 88 and a port eave cable 110 running through tunnels 90 and 92. Where I provide the bow and stern sections 42 and 44, my assembly includes starboard bow and stern cables 112 and port bow and stern cables 114. As will be explained hereinafter, each of the cables 106, 108, 110, 112 and 114 assumes the shape of a catenary when the cover is secured to the frame. As shown in FIGURE 4, preferably I provide each of the cables with a webbing sheath 116 to avoid undue wear on the material of the cover.

For purposes of clarity in exposition I have not shown the sheaths 116 in FIGURES 2 and 3. Moreover, while the cables are not normally removed from the covers and are stowed therewith, I have shown them separately in FIGURE 2 more clearly to illustrate their relationship to the frame.

The supporting framework for the cover of my canopy includes a bow arch indicated generally by the reference character 118, an amidships arch indicated generally by the reference character 120 and a stern arch indicated generally by the reference character 122. Arch 118 includes a cross-piece 124 and respective legs 126 and 128 demountably received in sockets 130 and 132 secured to the gunwale 134 of the boat 12. The amidships arch 120 includes a crosspiece 136 and legs 138 and 140 received in fittings 142 and 144 carried by the boat. Stern arch 122 includes crosspiece 146 and legs 148 and 150 respectively received in sockets 152 and 154 of the boat. It will be seen that sockets 130 and 132 are so arranged that the arch 118 is inclined forward. Sockets 152 and 154 are oriented so as to incline the arch 122 aft.

Referring now to FIGURE 5 I have illustrated one way in which an arch leg, such as the leg 138, may be mounted in its receptacle 144. I employ any suitable means, such as screws 156, to secure a bracket 158 carrying the socket 144 to the gunwale 134. Any suitable means such as a screw 160 secures a collar 162 to the leg 138. When the leg 138 is inserted into the socket 144, collar 162 rests on the top of the socket. In order to retain the leg 138 in the socket I provide a pin 164 secured to the gunwale or to the bracket 158 by a chain 166. After the leg 138 has been inserted, I pass the pin through mating holes in the socket 144 and in the leg 138. It is further desirable that the arches be relatively permanently attached to the boat to prevent accidental loss. To achieve this, a chain 168 secures a ring 170 on the collar to the socket 144. The length of the chain is such as to permit removal of the arches for storage while at the same time preventing their loss.

Referring to FIGURE 7, I have shown an alternate means for securing an arch leg such, for example, as one of the legs of the inclined arches 118 or 122 to the gunwale. The form of gunwale shown includes a peripheral flange 139. Clamping screws 141 engage the flange 139 to secure a bracket 143 to the flange. I weld or otherwise attach an inclined socket 145 to the bracket. It Will be appreciated that I may use either the mounting means of FIGURE 5 or that of FIGURE 7, providing either a vertical socket or a correctly inclined socket as necessary.

I provide respective adjustable stanchions 172 and 174 .for the bow and stern arches. Referring particularly to FIGURES 2, '8 and9, the bow arch stanchion indicated generally by the reference character 172 may comprise a lower section 176 pivotally supported on a pin or bolt 178 carried by a bracket 180 in the bottom of the boat.

Section 176 adjustably receives an intermediate scection .section is received by the fitting 194 secured at the middle of the crosspiece 124 of arch 118. It will be understood that a iu s an hiqlls .1 2 a d .1 4 plays a part in determining the stress in the fabric.

Referring to FIGURES 1 to 3, in securing the cover .ovs th f me, sn p o ks 9 11 a 0 c r e by corresponding ends of cables 108, 106 and 110 are sn apped into engagement With respective rings 202, 204 and 2,06 carried by the stern arch for example. As the cover is unfolded, respective hooks 2G8, 210 and 212 are snapped into engagement with rings 214, 216 and 218 on the a'midships arch 120. The hooks 288, 210 and 212 are carried by rings 220 adapted to slide along the respective cables. These hooks serve to hold the central portion .of the cover down on the amidships arch 120. Snap hooks 222, 224 and 226 are secured to the ends of the cables 108, 1,06 and 110 by adjustable elements, such as respective turnbuckles 228. I attach the hooks 222, 224 and 226 to rings 230, 232 and 234 on the forward arch 118. When this has been accomplished, I turn the buckles 228 until the cables have been tensioned sufficiently to tauten .the fabric over the frame.

Cables 112 and 114 have respective snap hooks 236 and 238 adapted to engage eyes 240 and 242 on a bow stanchion 244 carried by the boat in a manner similar to that described in connection with arch leg 138. Tumbuckles 246 and 248 at the other ends of cables 112 and 114 carry hooks 250 and 252 adapted to engage eyes 254 and 256. The cables 112 and 114 associated with the stern are connected between the stern arch 122 and a stern stanchion 258 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the bow. By way of example in FIG- URE 6 I have illustrated the relationship between one of the turnbuckles and its associated snap hook and eye.

Referring to FIGURE I have illustrated an alternate form of end section especially adapted to handle stormy weather. In that form of end section, I provide an extension 260 of the ridge catenary 106 and secure it to a suitable fitting 262 at the bow. The overhead portion includes two panels 264 and 266 which may comprise an extension of the central portion of the top. The side panels 268 in this form of end section are triangular and are not elevated. Preferably I dispose a drop curtain 272 between this section and the central portion of the boat and form the curtain with a central opening adapted to be closed by a zipper 274 or the like. In use of this construction, one person could be in the stern section, for example, to handle the tiller and the passengers would be protected not only by the end section but also by the drop curtain.

I provide each of the curtains such, for example, as the side curtain 54 with a ratline 276 securedwithin the hem 278 at the lower edge of the curtain. The ratline 276 is accessible through openings 280 in th h t p mit another line to be threaded thereto to lash the curtain to the gunwale in the event of foul weather. I may proyide inner ties 282 and outer ties 284 to permit the curtain to be held in its raised position.

Preferably each section 16, 18, and 22 has an opening 286 at the low point to which I connect a sleeve 283 adapted to be closed at its lower end by a drawcord or the like 290 to provide a catch basin for rain water. i I have arranged the various panels of my cover so as to make a boat having a cover applied thereto visible at relatively great distances both during the day and at night. For example, I color panels 24 and 28 of each section international orange and color all of the panels 2. .66, 6 a d 0 the sam lo Q on and for sighting of the boat at night, I color all of the panels 2621161 39 international yellow. I have discovered that this color pattern permits the boat to be sighted at great distances both during the day and at night. I make each of the panels 64 and 78 of a clear material so as to provide visibility for the occupants of the boat even when allot the curtains are tightly lashed to the gunwale.

I have discovered that advantageously I may make the material of the cover to have a radar reflective prop- .6 erty. This might be aecomplished, for example, by incorporating a continuous metal surface in the top of the cover as by vapor depositing or rolling a film or foil of m t hsvtt a It is to be understood further that, if desirable, I may make the cover including the sections 16, 18, 20 and 2 2 with slightly incurying' side edges more effectively to distribute the stress in the fabric. This same construction might be employed for the edges of the bow and stern sections 42 and 44. It may also be advantageous to make the side curtains of somewhat heavier material than that of the top or cover portion of the canopy.

In use of my boat canopy, in order to erect the canopy the supporting framework first is assembled. The respective bow and stern arches 118 and 122 are mounted in the sockets provided for that purpose on the gunwale 1-34 of the boat 12. This may be achieved by using either of the forms of mounting means shown in FIGURE 5 or shown in FIGURE 7. In a similar manner the stabilizing center arch 120 is erected and if the bow and stern stanchions 244 and 258 are employed, they are likewise erected. It will readily be understood also that I erect the two compression stanchions 172 and 174. The length of these stanchions may readily be adjusted in the manner described hereinabove' in connection with FIGURES 8 and 9. When all these operations have been performed, the canopy cover is unfolded and the cables 106, 108, and are secured to the stanchions. For example, snap hooks 196, 198 and 208 first are secured to the rings 202, 204 and 206 on the stern arch. The cover is then unfolded and hooks 208, 210 and 212 are snapped into engagement with rings 214, 216 and 218. As is explained hereinafove, these hooks are carried by the cables so as to be able to slide therealong. The cover is now stretched and hooks 222, 224 and 226 are engaged with rings 230, 232 and 234. At this point, the turnbuckles 228 may be operated to draw cables 186, 108 and 110 taut. Next, the bow and stern cables 112 and 114 are secured in place in the manner described above. If the form of my invention shown in FIGURE 10 is used, an extension 260 of cable 106 may be secured directly to the bow without the use of the bow stanchion 244. In a similar manner I may provide extensions of the eave cables 108 and 110.

Once the cover has been secured to the frame, the curtains may either be tied up by use of the ties 282 and 28 4 or, if desired, they may be lowered and the lower edges can be lashed to suitable fittings (not shown) on the gunwales by means of the ratlines 276. When lowered, the outside is visible from the interior of the boat through the transparent panels 64 and 78.

It will readily be appreciated that boats, such as the boat 12 to which my canopy is applied as shown in the drawings, may vary in beam width from boat to boat. Referring to FIGURE 11, I may make any one of my arches such, for example, as the center arch in sections comprising a central section 276 adapted to telescope within side sections 278 and 280. Pins 282 and 284 may be inserted in holes 286 and 288 of the side sections, which holes register with holes 290 in the center section. In this way I accommodate different beam widths.

Referring now to FIGURE 12, I have shown an alternate form of my boat canopy applied to a boat such, for example, as a motor whaleboat 292 having a motor housing 294 located aft of the amidships section of the boat. In this form of my canopy, I provide a main bow arch indicated generally by the reference character 296, an amidships arch indicated generally by the 70 reference character 298 and a main stern arch indicated ulated with relative .ease and, if necessary, permits the boat to be steered by means of an oar. If desired, an additional tensioning means may be applied to catenary extensions, such as 308, between the stern arch 3G4 and the main after arch 300. Similarly, catenary extensions may be employed between the main forward arch 296 and the bow arch 302 if desired.

The cover which I employ in the form of my canopy shown in FIGURE 12 is generally similar to the cover which is illustrated in FIGURE 3 with a few exceptions. For exam le, I may secure a length of webbing 310 carrying grommets 312 to the inside of the side curtains 54, 56, 58 and 60 at a point above their lower edges. A ratline 314 threaded through the grommets 312 is passed around a line 316 running through eyes 318 secured to the boat thwarts 320. In this manner the curtains can be secured firmly inside the gunwale 322 of the boat. Light lines 324 passing through grommets 326 at the corners of the curtains may be passed around boat rails 328 and 329 located on the outer surface of the boat below the gunwale to hold the lower edges of the curtains down over the outside of the gunwale 322 to prevent water from entering the boat.

As shown in FIGURES 3 and 12, by way of example, preferably I secure lengths of webbing 330 carrying cinch rings 332 to the top of the cover along the forward and after edges thereof. In applying the cover to the frame the lengths 330 are passed around the arches and through the cinch rings 332 to draw the cover tight in the direction of the boat length. Then, when the catenaries are drawn taut the bias-cut material of the center of the top is uniformly stressed. It is to be understood that preferably the center section of the cover is stressed independently of the bow and stern portions. That is, in the preferred form the bow and stern arches merely are common supports for the respective ends of the center sections of the canopy and for the bow and stern sections of the canopy.

While in connection with the use of my canopy on a lifeboat, for example, I have shown and described a construction incorporating rigid arches extending in an athwartship direction in combination with fore-and-aft extending catenaries, I may employ longitudinally extending rigid members in combination with lateral catenaries or a single longitudinally extending rigid member and catenaries as required.

Moreover, while preferably I construct the cover in four symmetrical sections made up of individually biascut panels, for most applications it could be made as a single bias-cut piece for smaller structures such as might require only two arches and two catenaries.

It is to be noted that in the form of my canopy shown in FIGURE 12, all of the brackets supporting the arch stanchions are located inside the boat gunwale to prevent any interference with launching of the boat as, for example, by dragging on the side of the ship as a boat is lowered.

As is pointed out hereinabove, I have discovered that the so-called standard boat sizes vary considerably from boat to boat, for example, in the dimensions at the beam. I so construct the arches 296, 298 and 300 as to accommodate the variations in boat width. In order to achieve this result I first provide pivotal connections between the arches and their supporting stanchions and also provide a pivotal adjustment of the stanchions themselves at the gunwale 322 of the boat.

While I have shown three main arches it is to be understood that for a shorter boat or one in which the span is not too great, I may use only two arches. The third arch function is inserted to reduce the tension on the catenary roof or ridge line to avoid too great a depth in the catenary.

Referring now to FIGURES 13 and 14, the rear arch 300 comprises a top section 334 supported by respective stanchions 336, one of which is shown in the drawings. In order to accommodate some variation in beam width,

I pivotally connect the section 334 to the stanchions 336. When the boat to which I apply this form of my canopy has a motor housing 294, I am unable to employ a centrally disposed compression stanchion since the housing cover must be able to be removed to permit access to the motor. Alternatively, I provide respective side stanchions 338, one of which is shown in the figures. This stanchion 338 is pivotally secured to a bracket 340 welded or otherwise fastened to stanchion 336. A pin 342 passing through ears 344 on the bracket 340 and through the stanchion 338 provides the pivotal connection. A bolt 346 passes through ears 348 welded or otherwise secured to the central section 334 and through a plate 350 disposed between ears 348 and welded to the stanchion 336.

Referring now to FIGURES 15 and 16, in one form of bracket indicated generally by the reference character 351 for pivotally connecting the stanchion 336 to the gunwale 322, bolts 352 attach a flange 354 on bracket 351 to the gunwale. A bolt 356, to the head of which I secure a rod 358 to facilitate turning of the bolt, provides a pivotal attachment for securing the socket 360 to a plate 362 forming part of the bracket. Plate 362 is provided with a slot 364 below the bolt 356 for the reception of a second bolt 366 to which I weld a rod 368 to facilitate turning of this bolt. It will be appreciated that this connection permits me to determine the relative angular position of the socket 360 around the bolt 356. At the same time plate 362 so supports socket 360 as to give the desired direction of inclination to the stanchion 336.

Referring to FIGURES l7 and 18, in an alternate form of my arch stanchion mounting bracket 364, bolts 366 secure the bracket 364 to the gunwale 322. Preferably, I dispose an insulating pad 368 between the bracket and the gunwale. Bracket 364 is formed with a downwardly extending flange 370 of a generally arcuate configuration. A socket member indicated generally by the reference character 372 includes spaced, generally horizontally extending flanges 374 and 376 connected by an arcuate web 378. Flanges 374 and 376 have respective openings 380 and 382 so located and formed as to receive the stanchion 336, for example, and give it the proper inclination fore or aft as required. The bottom of the stanchion 336 passing through the openings 380 and 382 rests on a base 384 formed on member 372. I provide the web 378 with a hole 386 for receiving a bolt 388. Bolt 388 is adapted to pass through a slot 390 in flange 370 and to receive a nut 392 carrying an arm 394 to permit the nut to be tightened securely to hold member 372 in its adjusted position. It will readily be understood that the gunwale position of the member 372 can be adjusted to incline stanchion 336 inwardly or outwardly to accommodate various beam widths. I provide the member 372 with a screw 396 adapted to be turned to engage stanchion 336 securely to hold it in place. A line 398 prevents the screw 396 from accidentally being lost if it is completely removed from the member 372.

It will readily be appreciated that the mounting brackets and the light lines described hereinabove in connection with FIGURES 13 through 18 may be employed in connection with all of the arches 296, 298 and 300. Where a central tension resisting stanchion can be used, the bracket 340 shown in FIGURES 13 and 14 is not employed but the terminal portions of the particular arch can be pivotally connected directly to the side stanchions. Moreover, a pivotal connection such as that provided by bracket 340 and pin 342 may be used for the central tension resisting stanchion. One of the significant advantages of the form of my invention just described, permitting variations in beam width to be accommodated is the use of a cover of standard size. That is, the terminal points of the arches do not vary and, consequently, the locations of the catenaries remain constant. The curtains can be made long enough for a boat of the widest beam and yet can be drawn taut on a boat of narrower beam.

z i et as-t Presse v 9 at 20.1 a further form if my boat canopy the ccyer indicated generally by the reference character 400 includes a plurality of sections infl cted ea ull-Y by he new h ac er 02- ac section 402 is made up of panels 404 in a manner similar to that described in connection with the form of the cover shown in FIGURE}. the arrangement shown in FIGURE 19, however, I do not form any tunnels such as .ihe tunnel .96, for example. Rather, I malte up the in- .diyidual sections ,402 of panels 4.04 and cut the edges, such the dge 496, of the panels so that they assume a natural catenary shape when the cover is erected. I do not eniploy se parate ,catenary members in this form of my invention but I sew .a length of webbing 408 along the centerline .of the coyer and then sew lengths of .web-

and 412 along the outboard edges. These lengths of webbing All) and take the place of the tunnel and caten ary structures of the form of the cover shown in FIGURE They may be made of any Suitable material .fsuch, for example, as woven nylon For purposes of simplicity, I have not shown the triangular fore and aft pcrtions of the cover t e curtains in FIGURE 19. The coyer carries all the fittings necessary for assembling the cover .on its supportingfrarne. First, a braided cord or line 414 stitched at spaced points to the webbing ,4Q8 adjacent the center thereof passes through a bore 416 a sadd'e Saddle 41$ is placed over the central portion fofthe center aiCh indicated by the reference numeral and is secured thereto by means of a pin 422 passing through the saddle and through a suitable opening provided in the arch. This arrangement prevents lateral shifting of the cover while at the same time accommodatingsorne fore and aft shifting thereof. Respective lengths of cord secured to the webbing M38 adjacent the and stem stanchions pass through cinch rings 426 and 428 carried by a fitting 430 secured to one screw 432 of a turnbuckle 4;?4. The other screw 43,6 of the turnbuckle has an eye 438 secured to a snap ring 440 which is adapted to releasably engage an eye 442 secured to aplug 444 (which is carried by the rear arch 446. I secure the cover to the other appropriate points on the arch with similar arrangements. Rather than using a saddle 418 to secure the port and starboard eave catenaries to the ends of the arch 420, I employ plugs 448 provided with bores 450 through which cords 452 carried by the port and starboard webbings pass.

It will readily be understood that I may use the saddle or plug arrangements shown in FIGURES 19 and 20 in the form of my canopy shown in FIGURE 3, for example. Moreover, the saddle 418 and the plug 452 associated with the central arch are interchangeable.

Referring to FIGURE 21 I have shown a further arrangement for securing the strut or compression stanchion such as stanchion 174, for example, to one of the bow and stern arches, such as the stern arch 146. I have discovered that I can successfully extrude a fitting such as the fitting indicated generally by the reference character 451 as a unitary piece including a collar 453 and ears 454. The collar 453 may be slipped over the arch and retained in position laterally by pins 456. The stanchion 172 can then be secured to cars 454 by means ofa pin 458. This construction not only does away with the necessity of welding the ears 454 but, also, it provides a pivotal connection between the struts and the arches. Thus the struts may be folded and stowed with the other parts of the frame and one of the assembly operations is eliminated.

Referring to FIGURE 22 I have shown an alternate fitting indicated generally by the reference character 460 for connecting a catena'ry cable 462 to an arch 464. I may form this part beginning with the same extrusion as that used to form the fitting 451. I cut the parts corresrssia t the, ca .54 s a o P d p ly directed "slots 466 and 468. Pins 470 locate the fitting 460 'o n the arch 464. Then the catenary 462 can readily be 4 in the in t s i ie .v e'te a @3 41 a the a t y bo t 2 P o e a ri stal ecu eni l??- tween the fitting ,472 and 1% .474. The bplt 4&2 passes through rs 84 and 8 tatt e tt n 3 15. thr u h the leg and receives a nut 43$ which can be turned by ,a crank 490 secured to the nut. When the fitting 472 is used to connect an arch other than a center arch to a supporting leg, I do not form the slot 476 and 478 but provide bolt 482'with an eye for receiving a snap hook or the like on the catenaryi i It will of course be appreciated from the foregoing description that preferably l make the framework in the manner illustrated in FIGURES I; to 18 wherein the ends of each of the arches are piyotally connected to their supporting stanchions, which stanchions in turn are mounted on the gunwale by means of brackets 351 or by means of brackets 372 to accommodate variations in beam width of the boats while permitting use of a canopy cover, the top of which is of a standard size. I also prefer to make the struts or tension-resisting stanchions 172 and 174 a part of the folding frame to avoid the necessity of a separate assembly operation when the frame is g e d v. H v

Alternatively to the lashings 276 I may employ lines 314 for securing the curtains to points inside the boats and then use lines 324 to hold the lower edges of the curtains down over the outside of the gunwale 322.

In operation of the canopy, owing to the fact that the cover is surface-stressed it' will withstand relatively high Winds Without harm. The openings 286 which are located generally at the low points of their associated .sections collect rain water.

Where the form of my canopy shown in FIGURE 10 is employed, a curtain or curtains 272 may be provided between the bow and stern sections and the amidship section of the boat. A helmsman may be stationed in the aft portion, for example, to operate the rudder and the fastener 274 may be operated to close the curtain to afford further protection to those inside the boat.

To store my canopy the operations described above may be reversed and the fabric material comprising the curtains and the cover or top, together with the cables may be folded. The elements of the supporting framework may be removed and, for example, laid the bottom of the boat. The elements, such as chains 16 6, prevent accidental loss of any of these parts. i i

It will be seen that have accomplished the objects of my invention. I have provided a light, yet strong, boat a p Q P otec n h Oc u n .Qf a b a against the elements. The structure of my canopy is relatively simple and incorporates few par-ts. It is easily erected and may expeditiously be stowed when not in use, It is reversible fore and aft and is so arranged that, while being readily yisible at great distances, it permits the occupants a view of the outside even when the curtains are closed.

It will he understgod that certain features and .subs mbina pns ar o ut i y and m y be emp yed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of my claims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details within the scope of my claims without departing from the spirit of my invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that my invention is not to be limited to the specific details shown and described.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A canopy and frame assembly for a boat having a gunwale including in combination a rigid bow arch, means including generally vertically extending spaced legs stationarily secured to said gunwale for mounting said bow arch adjacent the bow of the boat, a rigid stern arch, means including generally vertically extending spaced legs stationarily secured to said gunwale for mounting said stern arch adjacent the stern of said boat, a cover and means including adjustable tensioning members carried by said cover and engaging said arches for stretching said cover across and between said arches.

2. An assembly as in claim 1 in which said stretching means comprises port and starboard catenary cables extending between said arches.

3. An assembly as in claim 1 in which said stretching means comprises port and starboard catenary cables, said assembly including an upright bow stanchion and an upright stern stanchion, said cover including bow and stern top portions and pairs of how and stern catenaries extending between said bow arch and said bow stanchion and between said stern arch and said stern stanchion for supporting said bow and stern top portions,

4. An assembly as in claim 1 in which said stretching means includes respective ridge and eave catenaries each formed of lengths of fabric webbing extending between said arches, said cover including panels of material extending between said lengths.

5. An assembly as in claim 1 in which said stretching means comprises port and starboard eave cables, said assembly including tapering bow and stern cover sections and means including extensions of said cables secured to the bow and to the stern of said boat for supporting the bow and stern sections.

6. An assembly as in claim 1 including adjustable forward and aft tension-absorbing stanchions extending between said bow and stern arches and said boat.

7. An assembly as in claim 1 in which said stretching means comprises port and starboard eave cables, in which said cables are releasably attached to said arches and in which said arches are detachably mounted on said boat.

8. A canopy and frame assembly for a boat including in combination, a bow arch on said boat, a stern arch on said boat, a cover adapted to be secured over said arches, respective port and starboard catenary cables on said cover, means securing said cables to said how and stern arches and respective adjustable compression stanchions extending between said bow and stem arches and said boat.

9. A canopy and frame assembly for a boat including in combination a bow arch, a stern arc, means stationarily mounting said arches in spaced relationship on said boat, a cover comprising fabric panels cut on a bias with respect to the edges of said cover, respective port and starboard catenary cables carried by said cover and means for securing said cables to said bow and stern arches to stretch said cover across said arches.

.10. A canopy and frame assembly for a boat including in combination a bow arch, means stationarily mounting said bow arch on said boat with a forward inclination, a stern arch, means stationarily mounting said stern arch on said boat with an aft inclination, a cover adapted to be secured over said arches and means comprising a catenary cable carried by said cover extending between said arches for stretching said cover across and between said arches.

11. A canopy assembly for a boat including in combination, a supporting frame comprising bow and stem arches, means stationarily mounting said arches on said boat adjacent the bow and stem thereof, a cover adapted to be secured over said arches, a ridge catenary cable carried by said cover, respective eave catenaries carried by said cover, means for securing said ridge catenary between said arches adjacent the midpoints thereof and means for securing said eave catenaries to said arches respectively between points adjacent the port outboard portions thereof and between points adjacent the starboard outboard portions thereof.

12. A canopy assembly as in claim 11 including an intermediate arch in operative engagement with said catenary cables.

13. A canopy assembly as in claim 11 including means for detachably mounting said arches on said boat.

14. A canopy assembly for a boat including in combination, a supporting frame including bow and stem arches, means stationarily mounting said arches adjacent the bow and stern of said boat, a cover, and means including a pair of catenary cables carried by said cover for securing said cover to said arches adjacent the port and starboard outboard portions of said arches.

15. In a canopy and frame assembly for a boat having a gunwale and having fore-and-athwartship axes, an arch, legs for supporting said arch over said gunwale, means mounting said legs on said boat with a fixed angular inclination from the vertical around said athwartship axis and means for adjusting the angular position of said legs around said fore-and-aft axis.

16. A canopy assembly for a boat having a fore-andaft axis, including in combination, a bow arch, first legs for supporting said bow arch over said boat, pivotal connections between said how arch and said first legs, means mounting said legs on said boat for adjustment of the inclination thereof around said fore-and-aft axis, an amidships arch, second legs for supporting said amidships arch over said boat, pivotal connections between said amidships arch and said second legs, means mounting said second legs on said boat for adjustment of the inclination thereof around said fore-and-aft axis, a stern arch, third legs for supporting said stern arch over said boat, pivotal connections between said stern arch and said third legs, means mounting said third legs on said boat for adjustment of the inclination thereof around said fore-and-aft axis, a canopy and means comprising adjustable tensioning means carried by said cover and engaging said arches for stretching said canopy over said arches.

17. An assembly as in claim 16 in which said securing means comprises a saddle secured to said amidships arch and a sliding connection between said saddle and said canopy.

18. A boat canopy assembly including in combination, a frame carried by said boat, respective elongated sections of protective material, each of said sections being cut in a catenary shape along its longitudinal edges, a ridge catenary of fabric webbing connecting said sections along adjacent longitudinal edges thereof, respective eave catenaries formed of fabric webbing secured to said sections along the other longitudinal edges thereof and means for attaching said catenaries to said frame.

19. A canopy assembly for a boat having a fore-andaft axis including in combination, a bow arch, first legs for supporting said bow arch over said boat, pivotal connections between said bow arch and said first legs, respective first sockets for mounting said first legs on said boat with a fixed forward inclination, means mounting said first sockets on said boat for adjustment of the angular inclination of said first legs around said axis, a amidships arch, second legs for supporting said amidships arch over said boat, pivotal connections between said amidships arch and said second legs, second sockets for mounting said second legs on said boat, means mounting said second sockets on said boat for adjustment of the angular inclination of said second legs around said axis, a stern arch, third legs for supporting said stern arch over said boat, third sockets for mounting said third legs on said boat with a fixed after inclination, means mounting said third sockets on said boat for adjustment of the angular inclination of said third legs around said axis, a canopy and means comprising adjustable tensioning means carried by said cover and engaging said arches for stretching said canopy over said arches.

20. An assembly as in claim 19 including respective struts extending between said bow and stern arches and said boat and pivotal connections between said struts and said bow and stern arches.

21. An assembly as in claim 19 including respective struts extending between said stern arch adjacent the outboard ends thereof and said boat.

22. In a canopy assembly for a boat an arch having an end, a leg, a fitting carried by said arch end, said fitting having ears thereon for receiving said leg, means pivotally connecting said leg to said ears and respective oppositely directed slots in said fitting, said slots being provided with openings.

23. A canopy assembly for a boat including in combination, a bow arch, a stern arch, means stationarily mounting said arches in spaced relationship on said boat, a cover adapted to be secured to said arches, respective adjustable tensioning means carried by said cover and engaging said arches for tensioning said cover in the direction of the length of said boat, respective port and starboard catenaries carried by said cover, means connecting said catenaries to said arches and means for drawing said catenaries taut whereby uniformly to stress said cover.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Seymour 135-6 Mole 256-53 Castle 135-6 Kay 135-6 Hopper 135-6 McGill 135-1 Frieder 135-1 Lindsey 135-6 Woodrufi 135 6 Liden 135-4 Stark 135-6 Ogle 135-6 Voege 135-1 Wright 135-6 FOREIGN PATENTS REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner. 

1. A CANOPY AND FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR A BOAT HAVING A GUNWALE INCLUDING IN COMBINATION A RIGID BOW ARCH, MEANS INCLUDING GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING SPACED LEGS STATIONARILY SECURED TO SAID GUNWALE FOR MOUNTING SAID BOW ARCH ADJACENT THE BOW OF THE BOAT, A RIGID STERN ARCH, MEANS INCLUDING GENERALLY VERTICALLY EXTENDING SPACED LEGS STATIONARILY SECURED TO SAID GUNWALE FOR MOUNTING SAID STERN ARCH ADJACENT THE STERN OF SAID BOAT, A COVER AND MEANS INCLUDING AJUSTABLE TENSIONING MEMBERS CARRIED BY SAID COVER AND ENGAGING SAID ARCHES FOR STRETCHING SAID COVER ACROSS AND BETWEEN SAID ARCHES. 